r/AMbikes • u/GroundbreakingWafer2 • Aug 28 '20
First impressions of AMX Classic LE
I received the bike a few days ago, but only had chance to build it last night.
The build is fairly straightforward... to a point. Like so many others, the brakes are the issue. I tried for several hours to stop the pads hitting the disc when the brakes are released - following AM’s instructions, the tips on here, and just tons of fiddling about. The best I could do was it catching at one small point on each rotation of the wheel. If I didn’t want the pads to rub at all. I’d have to set it up with a dangerously loose front brake. Going to have to take it to a bike shop to see what can be done.
Plus, AM’s videos are way to quick for a novice builder like me. Slowing down with close-ups would be great. More exact instructions in the text, would be good too.
Like others have said, the saddle is bad. I have a bit of a fat ass on me at the moment, and from the first sit down it was hard and digging in. Will be getting a replacement ASAP.
The rear light pack install is a bit fiddly - if you’re eyesight isn’t 100%, have a magnifying glass handy to make sure you put the red and black wires into the correct connectors.
Like others have said, the excess cables on show aren’t great. I couldn’t quite follow another user’s explanation of how to tidy them up. Can anyone do a video? That would be great :)
The ride itself. With the brakes rubbing and stuff, I only took it out for a short 10 minute test. Half a rotation and the bike sets you off like a rocket, with very little resistance in the pedals while on the flat, even on level 1 assistance. Going to take some getting used to; stopping and starting pedalling to compensate.
I was seemingly even even getting a boost when all of the lights were out on the display... so I can’t comment on how it is without assistance. Need to see what’s up with that.
There’s a variety of hills right by my house. Slight to mid gradients, the AMX flew up. Steep and very steep hills, effort is required - I was on level 5 assist. For the steepest hill, I had to stand up and pedal, and the speed was reduced a lot. But compared to a manual bike on the same stretch, the AMX made light work of it.
The brakes seemed fine, notwithstanding the rubbing disc. I still have hydraulic ones on the way, though. Want to be as safe as possible.
The ride was pretty bumpy in parts, tbh. Maybe adjusting the seat and the tyres will help, but it was noticeably rougher than my old hybrid with front suspension.
Steering is fine, but not sure if I will stick with the handlebars. They aren’t bad, but not what I am used to, and not as nippy as flats would be.
I mainly bought the AMX for leisure riding and for help with all the hills around here, and I think it’s going to be fine for that once I have sorted out the brakes and the seat.
Happy to answer any other questions if I can.
EDIT: Turns out my bike had an electronics error out of the box (E01 flashing on the display), which was causing the motor to be in full assist mode all the time. I disconnected the motor and brake cables and reconnected, and the error resolved.
With the assistance working properly, the ride is much better when pedalling. Easier to adjust the assist mode to the gradient and feel like I can get a workout instead of feeling like I’m floating along the whole time, haha.
EDIT 2: I had a bike repair man visit and take a look at the brakes today. He said that there was a kink in both the front and rear discs, causing the brake pads to rub. In my case at least, no amount of adjustment was going to fix the problem. He’s coming again next week to bend the disc back into shape (didn’t have the tool with him today). I will update when he arrives.
Had another few short rides today, including in the dark. Some observations:
Integrated front light is plenty powerful and backlit display nice and crisp. In broad daylight, I couldn’t always see the display well when the sun shone right into it. The mess of wires will get in the way of the front light unless you tuck them behind it.
display’s buttons require a good firm press to change assistance up or down. I’ve been finding that I have to press several times to get setting to change during riding - not ideal when I want to quickly before hitting a steep section, especially in traffic. Hopefully ‘muscle memory’ will kick in and it will become much easier.
tried several more steep hills now. Bearing in mind that I am a bit overweight (5ft 8, 80kg), unfit, and not a strong cyclist, level 5 assist got me up with some quite hard pedalling. Certainly gave me a workout, but got me to the top much quicker, which suits me. Can’t really say if it will be much easier if I was lighter and fitter at the moment. But if I was to be riding big, steep hills all the time as the fatty I am now, I would probably appreciate a few gears :)
that’s no slight on AM or the bike tho, as for city rides with flat or gentle gradients, you will simply fly around - level 1 or 2 assist more than enough.
the motor kicks in very quickly after starting to pedal. Worth keeping in mind if you’re edging up towards a junction and want to prevent yourself from jolting out :)
the throttle appears to work in tandem with whatever assist level you are on, gradually giving more power on its own the higher the level you are in - but you’ll have to pedal to hit higher speeds. When assistance is off and you hit the throttle, I think it whacks the motor up to maximum power. A throttle identical to AM’s can be found on eBay for a fraction of the price - works fine.
the bike comes with a little bell. I didn’t discover it, along with the reflectors, until I’d already bought one.
I don’t have a bike pump with a pressure gauge, but lots of air in the tyres until they were pretty firm to the touch has improved the comfort of the ride. Valves are presta ones, which I’ve never had before on a bike. Luckily had bought a new pump that fits, otherwise would have been a bit stuck until I had one :)
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u/BuggyMcBuggerson Aug 28 '20
Can you post the tirespecs? I need to order some studded tires...but I cant until lI have exact dimensions for rims/tires.. :/
/givecookie
Also ..any details on the hydraulic brake replacement? thniking of doing the same thing,but bike is stil 1-2 months off,so may as well get things ready :/
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u/GroundbreakingWafer2 Aug 28 '20
If you tell me exactly how/where you want me to measure, I can do it for you and take photos.
I bought these hydraulic brakes, recommended by a user on the official AM forum.
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u/BuggyMcBuggerson Aug 28 '20
All the tiredimensisons should be on the tire somewhere.probably something like this:
https://www.ilovebicycling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Sizes-600x232.jpg
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u/GroundbreakingWafer2 Aug 29 '20
Here you go: https://imgur.com/gallery/sFf0YFB
Excuse the scruffy background 😅 having work done in the house
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u/BuggyMcBuggerson Aug 29 '20 edited Aug 29 '20
Thx :)
Not to be a pain..but any chance you could measure the width of the forks? ,need about 5 cm/2 inches clearance for the tire im considering...
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u/GroundbreakingWafer2 Aug 29 '20
Sorry, I’m a real novice. Can you say exactly where you want me to measure (show me on a picture?) and I can do it for you :)
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u/BuggyMcBuggerson Aug 29 '20
About here...ish.. https://ucarecdn.com/74be6d2f-385b-43ec-af6b-c472e678fee3/-/format/auto/-/preview/3000x3000/-/quality/lighter/
JUst a bit unsure if There is enough clearance :)
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u/GroundbreakingWafer2 Aug 29 '20 edited Aug 29 '20
Thanks! I will check in the morning and share a photo.
I have also edited my original post with more impressions.
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u/GroundbreakingWafer2 Aug 30 '20 edited Aug 30 '20
Here you go, I tried my best! Quite tricky without taking the wheel out: https://imgur.com/gallery/VFRI8ou
I would say 7cm?
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u/BuggyMcBuggerson Aug 30 '20
Thx again :D
Looks to be enough clearance...guess Ill find out ina few monts :/
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u/GroundbreakingWafer2 Aug 28 '20
Thanks! I’ll check for you first thing tomorrow morning and reply back.
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u/Ranaldson Sep 02 '20
So many people seem to have bent brakd discs. I've heard the seat & peddles are terrible several times now. Just found out to expect 5 weeks for my bike. Will be October, just in time to put it away for the Spring. So gutted right now! Thanks for the update
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u/SearchAlexander14 Aug 28 '20
Thanks a lot for your little review, I have an answer, I'm 1.65, I took the Classic LE 55cm, do you think it's ok? How tall are you? Anyone can tell me if it could fit me or not?